SNOFLO


       
       

KANSAS RESERVOIR LEVELS

April 4 2025
       

The latest observations on Kansas' dams and reservoirs indicate minor discrepancies from average water surface elevations, which could be significant given the context of regional weather conditions. Specifically, as of April 4, 2025, Milford Lake near Junction City registered a slight decrease from its average elevation of 1145.29 feet to 1145 feet. Similarly, Cedar Bluff Reservoir near Ellis showed a more notable drop from its average of 2125.4 feet to 2122 feet. Other reservoirs, including Kanopolis Lake near Kanopolis, Wilson Lake near Wilson, and Cheney Reservoir near Cheney, reflected similar minor reductions in water surface levels, with Cheney Reservoir reporting a more pronounced decrease from its average elevation of 1420.69 feet down to 1413 feet. These levels are of particular interest as they mirror broader environmental trends such as moisture levels and snowpack conditions, which have been reported to impact water availability in the region.

Considering the broader context, Kansas is grappling with challenging weather conditions that have the potential to affect reservoir and dam levels. Reports from the High Plains Journal indicate recent meaningful moisture pickup in several regions, which can contribute to variations in reservoir storage. However, KRSL.com's coverage of water line design work orders and AOL.com's reporting on disaster emergency due to fire weather conditions reflect ongoing concerns regarding water resource management and the risk of drought. Notably, coyotegulch.blog highlights degradations in the snowpack conditions in southwestern and south-central Colorado, with SNOTEL stations reporting below-normal Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) levels. This regional snowpack deficit can lead to reduced river flows and subsequently impact reservoir inlets, possibly explaining the observed reductions in water surface elevations. Such conditions necessitate ongoing monitoring and management to ensure water security and effective operation of Kansas' dam and reservoir systems.

Reservoirs & Dams